Harwich and Parkeston’s 2026/27 pre-season fixtures have been announced.
The Shrimpers will open their new campaign with a home Friday night game against Coggeshall Town on July 3.
Two more Step 6 opponents will follow with Clacton Town and Hadleigh United also visiting the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak.
The former – managed by ex-Harwich boss Kieron Shelley - will contest the annual Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup, played in the memory of the former Harwich, Clacton, Ipswich and England star, who died in 2018. Money will be raised for a to-be-announced charity at this game.
The fourth pre-season game will see a reunion with two more former Shrimpers, Michael Brothers and Craig Clarke, who will bring their Brantham side to the Oak on July 18. The Norman Mann Memorial Trophy, named in memory of our former president, will be at stake that day when, again, money will be raised for a charitable cause.

Shrimpers staying in ESL

And the pre-season campaign is currently due to end on Tuesday July 21 when Isthmian League outfit Brightlingsea Regent should provide tough opposition.
The date of the opening round of Essex Senior League matches is yet to be announced but it will be either July 25 or August 1, depending on when the FA Cup begins.
The FA is expected to reveal its competition calendar next month.

Full pre-season fixture list:
Friday July 3 – Coggeshall Town (H), KO TBC
Saturday July 11 – Clacton Town (H), 3pm
Tuesday July 14 – Hadleigh United (H), 7.45pm
Saturday July 18 – Brantham Athletic (H), 3pm
Tuesday July 21 – Brightlingsea Regent (H), 7.45pm